Feeder insert and feeder element

ABSTRACT

A feeder element for use in casting molds, includes a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feeder part. The feeder element has a passage extending from the first to the second end, wherein the feeder element is two-part or multi-part including a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder element; an adapter element with an opening into which the tube-like element is inserted so that it is connected with frictional engagement to the adapter element. The adapter element includes one or more path limiters to limit the insertion path of the tube-element, which are set up so that the outer face of the edge of the tube-like element opposing the first end, with insertion to the maximum extent within the adapter element, is present with its entire periphery, or portions thereof, exposed.

The present invention relates to a feeder element for use in castingmetals in casting molds, comprising a first end for placing on a moldmodel and an opposing second end for connecting to or for carrying anupper feeder part, the feeder element having a passage extending fromthe first to the second end for liquid metal. The invention also relatesto a feeder insert for use in casting metals in casting molds, with acavity for receiving liquid metal, comprising or consisting of a feederelement according to the invention and an upper feeder part. Furtheraspects of the invention relate to construction sets for producing afeeder element according to the invention or a feeder insert accordingto the invention as well as methods for arranging a feeder insert in acasting mold. Further aspects of the invention emerge from the followingdescription and the accompanying claims.

Feeder elements of the type mentioned at the outset are known from theprior art. Reference is made in this connection, in particular, to thedocument EP 1184104 B1, which discloses a feeder insert with a firstmold element, which is a feeder element of the aforementioned type.Reference is also made to the document DE 10142357 A1, which discloses afeeder system with a feeder or feeder head and a tube-like body.

Further documents, which define the technological background of thepresent invention, are: DE 10200508324 A1, EP 1567294 B1, DE 20118763U1, DE 19642838 A1, DE 20112425 U1, WO 2005/095020 A3, DE 202004009367U1, DE 202006011980 U1 as well as DE 202004021109 U1.

The present invention is based on the object of developing a feederelement according to EP 1184104 B1. The feeder elements (first moldelements) disclosed there, which are provided for carrying an upperfeeder part (second mold element) have a first end for placing on moldmodels, the depositing surface in practice being felt to be too large inmany cases. Smaller and smaller attachment faces (and setting faces) aredesired by the casting industry as the surfaces of cast parts haverecently increasingly become more filigree. However, it has to be takeninto account here that the passage opening (through-opening) for liquidmetal cannot be as small as desired, as otherwise an acceptable feedbehavior can no longer be achieved. In addition, it has to be taken intoaccount that a cooling of the feeder neck, such as can occur in athin-walled configuration of a feeder element at its side facing themold model, must not become noticeable in a disruptive manner.

From the prior art, in particular from DE 10142357 A1 already mentioned,attempts are already known to disclose feeders with only a smallattachment face, which function satisfactorily during casting operation.However, it has been shown in experiments that configurations, in whicha thin-walled tube-like element is exposed at its end facing the castpiece, while its end facing the feeder cavity is surrounded on all sidesby feeder molding compound, frequently do not ensure the desiredconfiguration of a breaking edge at the first (lower end).

According to the present invention, to achieve the presently disclosedobject, a feeder element is disclosed for use when casting metals incasting molds, with a first end for placing on a mold model and anopposing second end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feederpart, the feeder element having a passage extending from the first tothe second end for liquid metal, wherein the feeder element is two-partor multi-part and comprises or consists of:

-   -   (i) a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder        element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm,    -   (ii) an adapter element with an opening, into which the        tube-like element is inserted in such a way that it is connected        with frictional engagement to the adapter element, wherein the        adapter element comprises one or more path limiters to limit the        insertion path of the tube-element, which are set up in such a        way that the outer face of the edge region of the tube-like        element opposing the first end, with insertion to the maximum        extent within the adapter element is present with its entire        periphery, or in portions of the periphery, exposed.

It is surprisingly ensured in this manner that during cleaning, thefeeder reliably breaks off in the direct vicinity of the cast piece; incontrast to this, in a configuration in which the tube-like element doesnot have a free end within the adapter element, an undesired breakingoff of the feeder frequently occurs at the edge opposing the first endof the corresponding tube-like element.

A corresponding feeder insert according to the invention for use whencasting metals in casting molds, with a cavity for receiving liquidmetal, comprises or consists of:

-   -   a feeder element according to the invention (as just defined)        and    -   an upper feeder part.

The feeder element according to the invention can advantageously beinserted as described in EP 1184104 B1 for the “first mold element”there. The upper feeder part of a feeder insert according to theinvention in this case corresponds to the “second mold element”according to EP 1184104 B1. Feeder inserts, such as are described in EP1184104 B1 are commercially available under the name “telefeeder” fromCHEMEX GmbH, Germany.

In the delivery state of a feeder element according to the invention,the tube-like element can be inserted to different extents into theadapter element. In many cases, it is advantageous if the tube-likeelement is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, socan be inserted further into the adapter element at a later time, forexample after the arrangement of a corresponding feeder insert in amolding machine and compression of molding material poured into themolding machine, until it is prevented from a further assertion by thepath limiter(s). An arrangement of this type is advantageous to preventbreaking of a feeder element according to the invention or acorresponding feeder insert according to the invention, as wouldotherwise be possible in the molding material compression because of thecompressive forces then acting. In particular in combination with anupper feeder part, which is displaceably arranged relative to the feederelement according to the invention, destruction of a feeder according tothe invention is reliably prevented.

Alternatively, the tube-like element may, however, also already beinserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element in the deliverystate, so that it is prevented from further insertion by the pathlimiter(s).

In any case, it applies that, in a feeder element according to theinvention, the outer face of the edge area opposing the first end, ofthe tube-like element, with insertion to a maximum extent within theadapter element, is present with its entire periphery or in portions ofthe periphery exposed, and therefore, during casting operation, allowsthe admission of liquid metal onto the outer face.

The adapter element preferably forms the second end of the feederelement, in other words the end of the feeder element, which is providedto connect or to carry an upper feeder part. Alternatively, however, oneor more intermediate elements may also be provided between the adapterelement and upper feeder part.

The tube-like element of a feeder element according to the invention ispreferably cylindrical but other configurations may be provided,however, for example rectangular tube cross-sections or tube-likeelements with a conical course.

The tube-like element preferably has a length in the region of 10 to 30mm, in particular if it is cylindrical.

If the tube-like element has a length in the region of 10 to 30 mm and,in the delivery state, is not inserted to a maximum extent into theadapter element, it allows, in the state before the compression of themolding material, a further insertion of at least 4 mm. It has beenshown that in an arrangement of this type, the compressive forcesoccurring during compression of the molding material can be effectivelycounteracted.

The tube-like element preferably has a substantially uniformcross-section over the entire length. The ratio of the wall thickness tothe overall diameter of the tube-like element is preferably betweenabout 1:5 and 1:120 over the entire length thereof, particularlypreferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:100. The thickness of the tube-likeelement is selected by the person skilled in the art in such a way thatit has adequate stability and withstands the compressive forces whichoccur during the molding material compression.

The tube-like element is preferably produced from a material which isselected from the group consisting of: metallic, ceramic or plasticsmaterials and composite materials based on metal, ceramic and/orplastics material. The tube-like element is preferably produced herefrom iron, an iron alloy such as steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, abrass alloy or ceramic.

The adapter element, on the other hand, is preferably produced from anexothermic or insulating molding compound. The same applies in a feederinsert according to the invention for the upper feeder part.

It is obvious that the adapter element of a feeder element according tothe invention generally has a wall or a wall portion, the thickness ofwhich is greater in portions or everywhere than the thickness of thetube-like element at the first end of the feeder element. In particular,when producing the adapter element from an exothermic or insulatingmolding compound, a wall thickness of less than 1.5 mm cannot beproduced with the required process reliability in the course of massproduction.

It has already been mentioned that a feeder insert according to theinvention is advantageously similar in its construction to the feederinserts, such as are described in EP 1184104 B1, the componentsdescribed there as the “first mold element” being replaced by a two-partor multi-part feeder element according to the invention. The content ofEP 1184104 B1 is a component of the present text by way of reference.

The feeder element and the upper feeder part of a feeder insertaccording to the invention are preferably arranged so as to bedisplaceable into one another. In particular in an arrangement of thistype of feeder elements in the upper feeder part, in the feeder elementaccording to the invention, the tube-like element is preferably notinserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so it can befurther inserted into the adapter element until it is prevented fromfurther insertion by the path limiter(s). The compressive forcesoccurring during the compression of the molding material are thencounteracted by two separate relative movements, namely the relativemovement of the upper feeder part relative to the feeder element (thefeeder element is inserted into the upper feeder part) and the relativemovement of the tube-like element relative to the adapter element (thetube-like element is further inserted into the adapter element, until itrests on the path limiters).

The feeder element and the upper feeder part of a preferred feederinsert according to the invention together form a cavity to receive aliquid metal.

To summarize, a feeder element is therefore preferred, which comprisesor consists of:

(a) a two-part or multi-part feeder element with a first end for placingon a mold model and an opposing second end, wherein the feeder elementhas a passage extending from the first to the second end for liquidmetal and comprises or consists of:

-   -   (a)(i) a tube-like element which forms the first end of the        feeder element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm        at the first end,    -   (a)(ii) an adapter element with a wall, the thickness of which        is greater than that of the tube-like element at the first end        of the feeder element, and an opening, into which the tube-like        element is inserted in such a way that it is connected in a        frictionally engaged manner to the adapter element, and

(b) an upper feeder part, wherein the feeder element is connected by itssecond end to the upper feeder part and/or carries the latter, whereinthe feeder element and the upper feeder part can be displaced into oneanother and form or enclose a cavity, in many cases, if not preferred,by the formation of a double wall.

The present invention also relates to a construction set for producing afeeder element according to the invention, comprising a tube-likeelement and an adapter element. With regard to the configuration of thetube-like element and the associated adapter element, that which wasstated above applies correspondingly.

The invention also relates to a construction set for producing a feederinsert according to the invention, comprising

-   -   a tube-like element and an adapter element for producing a        feeder element according to the invention and    -   an upper feeder part.

To this extent, the above statements also apply to the configuration ofthe tube-like element, the adapter element and the upper feeder elementcorrespondingly.

The present invention also relates to a method for the arrangement of afeeder insert in a casting mold, comprising the following steps:

-   -   providing a feeder element according to the invention, in one of        its configurations described above, wherein the tube-like        element

(a) is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so itcan be inserted further into the adapter element, until it is preventedfrom further insertion by the path limiter(s) or

(b) is inserted to such an extent that it is prevented from furtherinsertion by the path limiter(s),

-   -   providing an upper feeder part, which is preferably configured        as disclosed in EP 1184104 B1,    -   placing the upper feeder part on the feeder element, so a feeder        insert according to the invention is formed,    -   arranging the feeder insert in a molding machine, (the space        over a model plate which is generally delimited by a placed-on        molding box),    -   pouring molding material into the molding machine, (molding box        placed on the model plate) so the outer walls of the feeder        insert are contacted by the molding material,    -   compressing the molding material, the tube-like element being        inserted further into the adapter element in case (a) until it        is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).

In a method according to the invention, the upper feeder part and thefeeder element are preferably selected in such a way that when placingthe upper feeder part on the feeder element, a feeder insert is formed,the feeder element and the upper feeder part being displaceable into oneanother, the upper feeder part and the feeder element being displacedinto one another when the molding material is compressed (optionallyafter separation or deformation of holding elements).

The molding machine preferably comprises in a method according to theinvention, a model plate (in other words a model mechanism for moldingmachines, generally consisting of a flat plate with cast in ormechanically fastened models) and the feeder element is inserted intothe molding machine in such a way that it is in direct contact with themodel plate (the model surface) with its first end.

Statements from EP 1184104 B1 apply correspondingly with regard to themethod according to the invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail below with the aid ofthe accompanying figures shown by way of example, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a feeder insert according tothe invention with a feeder element in an arrangement, in which thetube-like element is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapterelement and the feeder insert is fastened by means of a centeringmandrel on a mold model.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the feeder insert accordingto the invention and the feeder element from FIG. 1 in an arrangement,in which the tube-like element is inserted to a maximum extent into theadapter element and the feeder insert is fastened by means of acentering mandrel on a mold model.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the feeder insert accordingto the invention, and the feeder element from FIG. 1 in a compressedarrangement, as it is present after a compression.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the feeder element of the feeder insertaccording to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a longitudinal section of the feederelement according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 shows a feeder insert 8 according to the invention in a possiblestarting arrangement (before the pouring of molding material and beforethe compression process). The feeder insert 8 according to the inventioncomprises a feeder element 10 and an upper feeder part 18, which aresubstantially rotationally symmetrical. The rotational axis extending inthe longitudinal direction of the feeder insert 8 is characterized by adashed line 48 in FIG. 1. The feeder element 10 comprises an adapterelement 24, into which a tube-like element 22 is inserted in such a waythat it is connected in a frictionally engaged manner to the adapterelement 24, but can be displaced therein using a certain application offorce. Alternatively, the feeder element 10 may consist of more than twocomponents. The feeder element comprises a first end 14 and a second end16, the first end 14 being formed by the tube-like element 22 and thesecond end 16 by the adapter element 24. The tube-like element comprisesan edge region, which opposes the first end 14 of the feeder element.The adapter element 24 comprises path limiter(s) 26. In the startingarrangement shown, the tube-like element 22 is not inserted to a maximumextent into the adapter element 24. As an alternative, the tube-likeelement 22 can be inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element24, so it rests with its edge region opposing the first end 14 on thepath limiter(s) 26 and is prevented from further insertion (cf. FIG. 2in this regard). The feeder element 10 is placed on the molding model 12with the first end 14 of the tube-like element 22. The feeder element 10forms, between its first end 14 (formed by the tube-like element 22) anda second end 16 (formed by the adapter element) a passage 20 for liquidmetal. The tube-like element 22 has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5mm and consists of metallic, ceramic or plastics materials and compositematerials based on metal, ceramic and/or plastics materials. Thetube-like element 22, however, preferably consists of iron, an ironalloy such as steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a brass alloy orceramic.

The adapter element 24 has a wall, which, in portions or everywhere, isgreater than the thickness of the tube-like element at the first end 14of the feeder element 10 and, like the upper feeder part 18, consists ofan exothermic or insulating molding compound. Path limiters 26, whichare designed in the form of ribs, are integrated into the adapterelement 24 (cf. FIGS. 4, 5). The path limiters consist of the sameexothermic or insulating molding compound as the adapter element 24 anddo not form a separate component. They are used to limit the insertionpath of the tube-like element 22. Proceeding from the mold model 12, theouter wall of the adapter element 24 has a conically widening portion62, which passes into a portion 42 with a constant diameter. At leastone holding projection 34 is provided on this portion 42. The inner wallof the adapter element 24 also consists of a widening portion and aportion with a constant diameter.

According to FIG. 1, the upper feeder part 18 is placed with its loweredge 38 on holding projections 34 of the adapter element 24 and fixed bymeans of the centering mandrel 36. The upper feeder part 18 is verythick-walled in relation to the tube-like element 22 and to the adapterelement 24. Proceeding from the lower edge 38, the outer wall of theupper feeder part 18 has a first, relatively strongly conically wideningportion 56, before the outer wall passes into a less strongly wideningconical portion 58. In the wall portion 60, the upper feeder part 18tapers conically upwardly.

Also proceeding from the lower edge 38, the inner wall of the upperfeeder part 18 has a portion 40 which firstly runs parallel to the outerwall 42 of the adapter element 24 and then passes into a conicallyupwardly tapering wall portion 50, along which the tip of a centeringmandrel can be guided when positioning the feeder insert 8. The conicalwall portion 50 finally opens into a centering bore 52 located in therotational axis 48 of the feeder insert 8 to receive the tip of thecentering mandrel 36.

The upper feeder part 18 and the adapter element 24 form a cavity madeof partial cavities 30 and 42 which are in connection with one anotherto receive liquid material.

According to FIG. 2, the tubular element 22 of the feeder insert 8according to the invention is inserted to a maximum extent into theadapter element 24. The view contains two sectional planes through theadapter element 24: on the left-hand side of the rotational axis 48 inFIG. 2, the sectional plane is selected in such a way that the pathlimiter 26 is not cut (Section A), and on the right-side of therotational axis 48 in FIG. 2, the sectional plane runs through the pathlimiter 26 (Section B, for selection of the sectional planes, cf. alsoFIG. 4).

In FIG. 3, the feeder insert 8 (according to FIGS. 1 and 2) is shown ina compressed arrangement. The connecting faces between the holdingprojections 34 and the adapter element 24 are very small in each case,so the holding projections 34 can be separated from the adapter element24 with a low application of force. Owing to the force being producedduring the compression, the upper feeder part 18 is displaced in thedirection of the mold model 12. In this case, the force only has to besufficient to separate the holding projections 34 from the adapterelement 24. The displacement path of the upper feeder part 18 in thedirection of the mold model 12 is predetermined and limited by theextent of the mold compression.

When displacing the upper feeder part 18 in the direction of the moldmodel 12, the tip of the centering mandrel 36 according to FIG. 3penetrates between the upper end of the centering bore 52 and a wallportion located in a wall termination 54. This wall portion isdimensioned in such a way that the displacement between the upper part18 and the adapter element 24 is not prevented.

If the tube-like element 22, as shown in FIG. 1, is not inserted to amaximum extent into the adapter element 24 prior to compression, inaddition to the displacement between the adapter element 24 and theupper feeder part 18, a separate displacement occurs between the adapterpart 24 and the tube-like element 22. The extent of the displacement isalso predetermined here by the mold compression, but is limited atmaximum to the distance between the edge region 46 of the tube-likeelement opposing the first end 14 and the path limiter(s) 26 prior tocompression. A separate displacement of this type between the tube-likeelement 22 and the adapter element 24 is omitted during compression, ifthe configuration according to FIG. 2 is started from.

The lower edge 36 of the upper feeder part 18, during the compressionprocess, acts like a die face on the molding material to be compressedbetween the lower edge 36 and the mold model 12.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the feeder element 10. In the embodiment shown,four path limiters 26 are provided uniformly distributed over theperiphery of the adapter element 24 and are an integral component of theadapter elements. The tube-like element 22 rests against these pathlimiters 26 with a maximum insertion in portions of its periphery. Thepath limiters 26 are arranged within the adapter element 24 in such away that the outer face 46 of the edge region of the tube-like element22 opposing the first end 14 is present exposed in portions of theperiphery. Alternatively, the path limiter(s) 26 may be arranged in theadapter element 24 in such a way that the outer face 46 of the edgeregion of the tube-like element 22 opposing the first end 14 is presentwith the entire periphery exposed. Sectional planes A and B can be seenfrom FIG. 4 and are used in FIGS. 2 and 5.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged longitudinal section through the feeder element10, consisting of the adapter part 24 and the tube-like element 22. Theview contains two sectional planes through the adapter element 24: onthe left-hand side of the rotational axis 48 in FIG. 5, the sectionalplane is selected in such a way that the path limiter 26 is not cut(Section A) and on the right-hand side of the rotational axis 48 in FIG.5, the sectional plane runs through the path limiter 26 (Section B, forthe selection of the sectional planes, cf. also FIG. 4). It can in turnbe seen that the outer face 46 of the edge region 46 of the tube-likeelement 22 opposing the first end 14 is present exposed in portions ofthe periphery. The cavity 44 of the adapter element 24 comprises thefree portions of the outer face 46 of the edge region of the tube-likeelement 22 opposing the first end 14 with maximum insertion, so theliquid metal can come into contact during the casting process with theouter face 46 of the tube-like element 22 and can remain there. Afterthe solidification of the metal it is thus achieved that the feederinsert 8 during cleaning breaks off in the direct vicinity of thecasting piece and not in the upper region of the outer face 46 of thetube-like element 22.

Depending on the application area, the tube-like element 22 may alreadybe completely inserted into the adapter element 24 before thecompression (cf. FIG. 2 in this regard). In this case, the compressiveforces, which act on the feed insert 8 during the compression process,are only absorbed by the relative movement between the upper feeder part18 and the adapter element 24. In the alternative case, in which thetube-like element 22 has a length between 10 and 30 mm and is notinserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24 prior tocompression in the delivery state, an insertion of at least 4 mm isensured, cf. FIG. 1.

In this alternative case, the compressive forces occurring during thecompression of the molding material are counteracted by two separaterelative movements, on the one hand, by the relative movement betweenthe upper feeder part 18 relative to the adapter element 24 and, on theother hand, by the relative movement between the adapter element 24 andthe tube-like element 22.

FIGS. 1 to 3 also illustrate schematically a method according to theinvention for the arrangement of a feeder insert according to theinvention in a casting mold.

According to FIG. 1, a tube-like element 22, which is inserted into anadapter element 24, is placed together therewith on a centering mandrel36, which is fastened to a mold model 12. The tube-like element 22 is inthis case brought into direct contact with the mold model 12 by a firstend 14. In FIG. 1, the tube-like element is only partially inserted,i.e. not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24.Alternatively, the tube-like element 22 may be inserted to a maximumextent into the adapter element 24, cf. FIG. 2.

An upper feeder part is then placed on the adapter element 24 in such away that it is carried thereby. For this purpose, holding projections 34are provided, for example. An assembled feeder insert 8 is now presentin a possible starting arrangement.

In a following step illustrated only in FIG. 2, the feeder insert 8 issurrounded by molding sand 32 or another molding material (surroundingonly indicated in the lower region). In FIG. 2, the tube-like element 22is inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24, so it restson path limiters 26 and cannot be inserted further into the adapterelement 24. Whether the tube-like element 22 is partially or maximallyinserted into the adapter element 24 prior to the compression processdepends on the respective application.

After a compression process not shown in more detail in the figures, thearrangement according to FIG. 3 is produced. The holding projections 34are broken off from the adapter element 24 and the upper feeder part 18is pushed by a portion in the manner of a telescope onto the adapterelement 24. The displacement path of the upper feeder part 18 on theadapter element is predetermined in this case by the extent of themolding material compression. If the tube-like element 22, as shown inFIG. 1, was not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24prior to the compression process, it is inserted by the force actingduring the compression process into the adapter element 24 until itrests on the path limiters 26 and is then prevented from furtherinsertion. During the compression process, the feather mandrel 36penetrates the upper wall 54 of the upper feeder part 18; the depth ofthe centering bore 52 is selected here in such a way that thedisplacement between the upper feeder part and the adapter element 24 isnot impeded.

As the outer wall 38 projecting over the first adapter element 24, ofthe upper feeder part 18 acts on the . . . between it and the mold model12 during the compression process like a die, an excellent moldingmaterial compression occurs in this region (indicated in FIG. 3 by adenser dotting of the molding sand 32 in comparison to FIG. 2).

1. A feeder element for use when casting metals in casting molds,comprising a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposingsecond end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feeder part, thefeeder element having a passage extending from the first to the secondend for liquid metal, wherein the feeder element is two-part ormulti-part and comprises: a tube-like element which forms the first endof the feeder element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm,and an adapter element with an opening, into which the tube-like elementis inserted in such a way that it is connected with frictionalengagement to the adapter element, the adapter element comprising one ormore path limiters to limit the insertion path of the tube-element,which are set up in such a way that the outer face of the edge region ofthe tube-like element opposing the first end, with insertion to themaximum extent within the adapter element, is present with its entireperiphery, or in portions of the periphery, exposed.
 2. The feederelement of claim 1, wherein the tube-like element is not inserted to amaximum extent into the adapter element, so that it can be insertedfurther into the adapter element until it is prevented from furtherinsertion by the path limiter(s) or is inserted to a maximum extent soit is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).
 3. Thefeeder element of claim 1, wherein the adapter element forms the secondend of the feeder element.
 4. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein thetube-like element is cylindrical and/or has a length in the region of 10to 30 mm.
 5. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the tube-likeelement is produced from a material which is selected from the groupconsisting of metallic, ceramic or plastics materials and compositematerials based on metal, ceramic and/or plastics material, wherein thetube-like element is preferably, produced from iron, an iron alloy suchas steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy a brass alloy or ceramic.
 6. Thefeeder element of claim 1, wherein the adapter element is produced froman exothermic or insulating molding compound.
 7. The feeder element ofclaim 1, wherein the adapter element has a wall or a wall portion, thethickness of which is greater in portions or everywhere than thethickness of the tube-like element at the first end of the feederelement.
 8. A feeder insert for use when casting metals in castingmolds, with a cavity for receiving liquid metal, comprising: a feederelement as according to claim 1 and an upper feeder part.
 9. The feederinsert as claimed in claim 8, wherein the feeder element and the upperfeeder part can be displaced into one another.
 10. The feeder insert asclaimed in claim 8, wherein, in the feeder element, the tube-likeelement is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, soit can be inserted further into the adapter element until it isprevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).
 11. The feederinsert as claimed in claim 8, wherein the feeder element and the upperfeeder part together form a cavity to receive liquid metal.
 12. Thefeeder insert as claimed in claim 8, comprising: a two-part ormulti-part feeder element with a first end for placing on a mold modeland an opposing second end, wherein the feeder element has a passageextending from the first to the second end for liquid metal andcomprises: a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feederelement and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm at the firstend, an adapter element with a wall, the thickness of which is greaterthan that of the tube-like element at the first end of the feederelement, and an opening, into which the tube-like element is inserted insuch a way that it is connected in a frictionally engaged manner to theadapter element, and an upper feeder part, wherein the feeder element isconnected by its second end to the upper feeder part and/or carries thelatter, wherein the feeder element and the upper feeder part can bedisplaced into one another and form or enclose a cavity.
 13. Aconstruction set for producing a feeder element according to claim 1,comprising a tube-like element and an adapter element.
 14. Theconstruction set for producing a feeder insert according to claim 8,comprising a tube-like element and an adapter element for producing afeeder element and an upper feeder part.
 15. A method for arranging afeeder insert in a casting mold, comprising the following steps:providing a feeder element according to claim 1, wherein the tube-likeelement is either not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapterelement, so it can be inserted further into the adapter element, untilit is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s), or isinserted to such an extent that it is prevented from further insertionby the path limiter(s), providing an upper feeder part, placing theupper feeder part on the feeder element, so a feeder insert according toclaim 8 is formed, arranging the feeder insert in a molding machine, andpouring molding material into the molding machine, so the outer walls ofthe feeder insert are contacted by the molding material.
 16. The methodas claimed in claim 18, wherein the upper feeder part and the feederelement are selected such that when the upper feeder part is placed onthe feeder element, a feeder insert is formed, in which the feederelement and the upper feeder part can be displaced in one another, andwherein when the molding material is compressed, the upper feeder partand the feeder element are displaced into one another.
 17. The method asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the molding machine comprises a model plateand the feeder element is inserted into the molding machine in such away that it is in direct contact with the model plate with its firstend.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the tube-like element isinserted to such an extent that it is prevented from further insertionby the path limiter(s), and further comprising compressing the moldingmaterial, the tube-like element being inserted further into the adapterelement until it is prevented from further insertion by the pathlimiter(s).